Sleep

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I’m not getting enough of it. I know that because I never quite got on to European time and it didn’t seem to bother me too much. Now, back in the states, I’m getting up at 5 am, after going to be after 11 and I seem to be doing okay. That is approaching just 5 + hours a night for the last 3 nights. Something has got to give.

As I get older, I’ve noticed I can get by with less sleep. And I don’t mind getting woken up near as much as I used to. I think I need to start trying to get more sleep and mind getting woken up.

As an athlete, sleep is super important. Maybe more important than training hard after you’re already fit. I don’t put too much emphasis on the amount of sleep before a one day event. I think the sleep two nights before the race is much more important than the sleep the night before. But, getting in a good block of sleep while you’re riding hard is imperative. And during stage races, sleep is crucial.

I sleep with a noise machine. It’s really an HEPA air purifier, but it’s real benefit is white noise. Bromont can’t really sleep past 5 am in hotels unless the air purifier is going. Too much extraneous noise going on for him not to be up. And if he’s up, then I’m usually up.

I’m not sure how I’m going to implement this “new” sleep regiment long term. I’ve having enough trouble with jet lag from this one trip.

Bromont is the best sleeper in the world. His underside get all pink when he's sleepy.

Our new cat, Lilly, could give Bromont a run for his money, but it isn't fair, because Lilly is a cat and domestic house cats sleep more than just about any other mammal.

4 thoughts on “Sleep

  1. Ted Lewandowski

    Most researches have found that the best sleep (REM) comes if you go to bed early – e.g. like 9:30PM as opposed to 11PM – and that is what I remember from my racing days when Eddie B. made us go to bed sometimes at 9PM.

    If you stay up late you miss the train on being able to have a deep sleep – which is critical.

    Jet-lag usually lasts about 3-4 days from my own personal observation. Much easier upon the return then going over to Europe.

     
  2. Karen Larson

    I love the Bromont and Lilly photos. It shows that they are good sleepers AND very content. 🙂

     
  3. Doug Long

    Rush Limbaugh=White noise, now that is down right funny!!

    Seems like I fall asleep in my chair about 8:00 pm unless I’m watching basketball. There is so much crap on tv and as soon as I pick up a good book to read, I’m out. Of course, that means I’m up at 5:00 am latest.
    BTW Steve, nice to know we are not the only ones that allow big dogs on the bed. Sadie just jumped off the bed and is pawing me to go out. Hup, Hup, I better get moving.

     

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